Gazebo Classic Reaches End of Life: What It Means for Robotics Developers
The robotics community is bidding farewell to a long-standing tool as Gazebo Classic, the widely used robotics simulator developed by the Open Source Robotics Foundation (OSRF), officially reached end of life (EOL) last week. Moving forward, only versions of modern Gazebo will be supported by the Gazebo team, marking the end of an era for the numbered releases of Gazebo Classic.Gazebo Classic, notably it’s final version Gazebo 11, was released in January 2020 as a long-term supported (LTS) release wiht a five-year support window. Over its lifespan, Gazebo Classic introduced groundbreaking features such as SDFormat 1.7 frame semantics, support for biovision hierarchical (BVH) skeletal animations, and advanced functionalities like slow motion/sped up log playback and tracked vehicles with flippers.
Though, with the EOL proclamation, the OSRF will no longer provide new features, security updates, bug fixes, or updated binaries for Gazebo Classic. While users aren’t required to migrate immediately, the OSRF strongly recommends transitioning to modern Gazebo versions as soon as possible.
“We end of life particular Gazebo releases for the same reason that most people don’t use Windows XP or an iPhone 4 anymore: better versions of the software are now available, and we simply don’t have the resources to support every Gazebo release into perpetuity,” the OSRF explained.“Marking a particular version of Gazebo end of life frees up resources to help support newer and better versions of the software.”
What’s Next for Gazebo Users?
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The OSRF advises users to upgrade to the latest LTS release of modern Gazebo, Gazebo Harmonic. This version is optimized for Ubuntu Jammy (22.04) and Ubuntu Noble (24.04) and will be supported until September 2028. For those still using ROS 1, the transition to ROS 2 Jazzy is also necessary to fully leverage Gazebo Harmonic.
To assist users in this migration, the modern Gazebo documentation offers a variety of guides and tutorials. additionally, the OSRF has provided a comprehensive table to help users determine which versions of gazebo are compatible with specific versions of ROS.
| Gazebo Version | ROS Version | Support Status |
|———————|—————–|——————–|
| Gazebo Classic 11 | ROS 1 | End of Life |
| Gazebo Harmonic | ROS 2 Jazzy | Supported until 2028 |
Why the Shift to Modern Gazebo?
The transition to modern Gazebo reflects the OSRF’s commitment to innovation and resource optimization.As the underlying packages and operating systems used by Gazebo Classic,such as Ubuntu Focal,also approach their EOL in April 2025,the shift ensures users remain on a secure and up-to-date platform.
for robotics developers, this change represents an opportunity to explore the enhanced capabilities of modern Gazebo while ensuring their projects remain future-proof.Ready to make the switch? Explore the modern Gazebo documentation and start your migration today.
Stay ahead in robotics innovation—register today to save 40% on conference passes for the 2025 Robotics Summit.ROS 1 Approaches End of Life as ROS 2 Jazzy Jalisco Takes Center Stage
The robotics community is on the brink of a meaningful transition as ROS 1, including its final version ROS 1 Noetic, is set to reach its end of life on May 23, 2025. according to the Open Source Robotics Foundation (OSRF), more than 80% of the ROS community has already migrated to ROS 2, while 67% of Gazebo users have upgraded to the modern Gazebo platform. This shift marks a pivotal moment in robotics progress, as the industry embraces the next generation of tools and frameworks.
The latest iteration of ROS 2, ROS 2 jazzy Jalisco, was released in May 2024 and is the 10th version of the platform.As a Long-Term Support (LTS) release, it will be supported until May 2029, offering stability and reliability for developers. Jazzy Jalisco introduces a host of new features and enhances connectivity between existing ROS code and the Intrinsic platform. Intrinsic, a spinout of Alphabet’s X moonshot division, acquired the Open Source Robotics Corporation in late 2022, further solidifying its role in the robotics ecosystem.
For those still using ROS 1, the ROS 2 documentation provides step-by-step instructions on how to migrate projects to ROS 2. This resource is invaluable for developers looking to future-proof their work and take advantage of the advanced capabilities offered by the newer platform.
Key Features of ROS 2 Jazzy Jalisco
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Release Date | May 2024 |
| Support End Date | May 2029 |
| Integration | Enhanced connectivity with the Intrinsic platform |
| Migration Support | Comprehensive documentation for transitioning from ROS 1 to ROS 2 |
The transition to ROS 2 will also be a focal point at the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo, taking place from April 30 to May 1 in Boston. Geoffrey Biggs, CTO of the Open Source Robotics foundation, will deliver a talk titled “Key ROS 2 Features to Learn as ROS 1 Sunsets.” This session will highlight the successes enabled by ROS 2 across various industries, demonstrating why it is the preferred platform for modern robotics development.
Biggs will emphasize how leveraging ROS 2 allows developers to build on the work of hundreds of engineers, reducing investment costs and accelerating product deployment. The talk will also address perceived barriers to adoption and explore what’s on the horizon for ROS 2, providing attendees with actionable insights to navigate this transition.
As the robotics community prepares for the sunset of ROS 1, the rise of ROS 2 Jazzy jalisco represents a new era of innovation and collaboration. Developers are encouraged to embrace this change, ensuring their projects remain at the forefront of technological advancement.
For more information on ROS 2 and its capabilities, visit the official ROS 2 documentation and explore the latest updates from the Open Source Robotics Foundation.Robotics Summit & Expo 2025: A Hub of Innovation and Networking for Robotics Developers
The Robotics Summit & Expo, produced by The robot Report, is set to return in 2025, bringing together over 5,000 developers dedicated to advancing robotics across various commercial industries. This premier event promises to deliver unparalleled insights into the latest enabling technologies, engineering best practices, and emerging trends shaping the future of robotics.
With more than 70 speakers taking the stage, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and pioneers. The event also features 10+ hours of dedicated networking time, fostering collaboration and idea exchange among professionals. Highlights include the Women in Robotics Breakfast,a career fair,and a startup showcase,providing platforms for diversity,talent,and innovation to shine.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the summit is the return of the RBR50 Pavilion and the RBR50 Awards Dinner.These segments will honor the winners of the annual RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards, a prestigious recognition of forward-thinking organizations and their groundbreaking contributions to the field.
Key Features of the Robotics Summit & Expo 2025
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Attendees | 5,000+ developers and industry professionals |
| Speakers | 70+ experts sharing insights on robotics trends and technologies |
| Networking | 10+ hours of dedicated networking opportunities |
| Special events | Women in Robotics Breakfast, career fair, startup showcase |
| Awards | RBR50 Pavilion and RBR50 Awards Dinner honoring innovation leaders |
The Robotics Summit & Expo is more than just a conference; it’s a celebration of innovation and collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, this event offers something for everyone.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience. Register now to secure your spot at the Robotics Summit & Expo 2025 and join the global robotics community in shaping the future of technology.
For more information, visit The Robot Report and stay updated on the latest developments in the robotics industry.
Editor’s Interview wiht Geoffrey Biggs: Insights on ROS 2 and the Robotics Summit & Expo 2025
Editor: Geoffrey, thank you for joining us today. The upcoming Robotics Summit & Expo 2025 has generated a lot of excitement,particularly around your session on ROS 2. Can you share what attendees can expect from your talk?
Geoffrey Biggs: Absolutely! My talk, titled “Key ROS 2 Features to Learn as ROS 1 Sunsets,” will focus on the critical advancements that ROS 2 offers over ROS 1. I’ll highlight how ROS 2 has become the preferred platform for modern robotics growth, enabling successes across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and autonomous systems.
Editor: That sounds fascinating. What specific aspects of ROS 2 will you emphasize during your presentation?
Geoffrey Biggs: I’ll dive into the enhanced connectivity with the Intrinsic platform, which has been a game-changer for developers. Additionally,I’ll discuss how ROS 2 allows teams to build on the work of hundreds of engineers,substantially reducing investment costs and accelerating product deployment. I’ll also address perceived barriers to adoption and provide actionable insights to help developers navigate the transition smoothly.
Editor: With the sunset of ROS 1 approaching in May 2029, what advice would you give to developers who are still using ROS 1?
Geoffrey Biggs: My advice is to start the transition to ROS 2 as soon as possible. The complete migration support available, including detailed documentation, makes this process more manageable. Embracing ROS 2 ensures that projects remain at the forefront of technological advancement and leverage the full potential of modern robotics.
Editor: Speaking of the Robotics Summit & Expo 2025, what makes this event unique for robotics professionals?
Geoffrey Biggs: The Robotics Summit & Expo is a premier event that brings together over 5,000 developers and industry professionals. With more than 70 speakers, including leading experts in the field, attendees gain unparalleled insights into the latest technologies and engineering best practices. the event also features dedicated networking opportunities, special events like the Women in Robotics Breakfast, and the prestigious RBR50 Awards Dinner, making it a must-attend for anyone in robotics.
Editor: That sounds like an amazing opportunity for collaboration and learning. What do you hope attendees will take away from the summit?
Geoffrey Biggs: I hope attendees leave inspired and equipped with the knowledge to drive innovation in their own projects. The summit is a party of collaboration, and it’s an excellent platform for professionals to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and connect with like-minded individuals who are shaping the future of robotics.
Editor: Thank you, Geoffrey, for sharing your insights. We’re looking forward to your session and the exciting developments at the Robotics Summit & Expo 2025.
Conclusion
The transition to ROS 2 marks a new era of innovation in robotics, and Geoffrey Biggs’ session at the Robotics Summit & Expo 2025 promises to provide invaluable insights for developers. With its enhanced connectivity, comprehensive migration support, and industry-wide adoption, ROS 2 is set to become the cornerstone of modern robotics development. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this transformative event and join the global robotics community in shaping the future of technology.
